Following the blockbuster success of “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” director Aditya Dhar set his sights on a grand endeavor with the film “The Immortal Ashwatthama.” Amid swirling rumors speculating on casting choices like Vicky Kaushal or Allu Arjun for the lead role, anticipation grew. Despite initial buzz suggesting the project was advancing in pre-production, it remained stagnant. However, at the trailer launch event for “Article 370,” Aditya took the opportunity to provide a much-awaited update on the status of his ambitious venture.
Addressing the media, Aditya candidly revealed, “We’ve decided to shelve that project for the time being. To be frank, the ambitious scope we envisioned for it was simply too grand for the current landscape of Indian cinema. The level of VFX excellence we aimed for is unprecedented in our industry. Until the technology becomes more accessible or the infrastructure for cinema expands, we’ll have to bide our time.”
Drawing parallels to the approach of renowned filmmaker James Cameron, Aditya emphasized the importance of waiting for market readiness and technological advancements. “Like him, I understand the necessity of timing and technological readiness to deliver excellence,” he remarked. “While I may not possess his stature, I refuse to compromise on quality. I’m not interested in creating something mediocre just for the sake of it. Even if it means dedicating five years of my prime, the end result must be nothing short of brilliance.”
On the professional front, after clinching the National Film Award for Best Director with his debut “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” Aditya ventures into the realm of writing and producing with “Article 370.” With the trailer release on Thursday, the film is set to grace screens on February 23. Furthermore, Aditya is actively engaged in the post-production of his upcoming project “Dhoom Dhaam.”
